Now a Netflix film starring and directed by Chiwetel Ejiofor, this is a gripping memoir of survival and perseverance about the heroic young inventor who brought electricity to his Malawian village. When a terrible drought struck William Kamkwamba's tiny village in Malawi, his family lost all of the season's crops, leaving them with nothing to eat and nothing to sell. William began to explore science books in his village library, looking for a solution. There, he came up with the idea that would change his family's life forever: he could build a windmill. Made out of scrap metal and old bicycle parts, William's windmill brought electricity to his home and helped his family pump the water they needed to farm the land. Retold for a younger audience, this exciting memoir shows how, even in a desperate situation, one boy's brilliant idea can light up the world. Complete with photographs, illustrations, and an epilogue that will bring readers up to date on William's story, this is the perfect edition to read and share with the whole family.

A true story about the perils of turning eighteen and aging out of the foster care system--written by the man who lived it.

The beloved author of Across Five Aprils and No Promises in the Wind presents one of her most cherished novels, the Newbery Award-winning story of a young girl’s coming of age… Julie would remember her happy days at Aunt Cordelia’s forever. Running through the spacious rooms, singing on rainy nights in front of the fireplace. There were the rides in the woods on Peter the Great, and the races with Danny Trevort. There were the precious moments alone in her room at night, gazing at the sea of stars. But there were sad times too—the painful jealousy Julie felt after her sister married, the tragic death of a schoolmate and the bitter disappointment of her first love. Julie was having a hard time believing life was fair. But Julie would have to be fair to herself before she could even think about new beginnings... “Hunt demonstrates that she is a writer of the first rank...Those who follow Julie's growth—from a tantrum-throwing seven-year-old to a gracious young woman of seventeen—will find this book has added a new dimension to their lives.”—The New York Times Book Review

At the age of nine, Alton Carter left home and walked himself into foster care with a dream of someday having a normal life. Not a fancy life. Not a famous life. But what once was the American dream: a place to call home that was warm in the winter and bearable in the summer, with regular meals and a loving family that made sure children made it to school on time each day. Building on his award-winning book The Boy Who Carried Bricks, Carter shares more of his own personal childhood stories of trial and survival, making the case that youngsters from such homes should be seen for what they are: not victims but survivors-for they have overcome abuse, neglect, and vio-lence that would cripple most adults.

The Moon that inspires Betsy Byars's memoir isn't the one in the sky, but a huge, harmless blacksnake she finds in the rafters of her porch. This meeting begins an exploration of the writing process. With energy, wit, and delight, the Newbery medalist shows how "the good scraps" of her life, from a bully named Bubba to a gift-wrapped dime, weave into her work.

Getting 100 % on the SATs, or getting a date with a cute trumpet player? Scoring top honors in youth orchestra, or scoring tickets to a punk rock concert? Following your parents' dreams to an Ivy league college, or following your heart? It's senior year, and Patti Yoon is about to find out what it really takes to be good enough!

The second book in "The Boy Who" series, The Boy Who Went to the Library is the story of the author, little Alton, finding amazing inspiration at the local library. Encouraged by his teacher, he travels to the local library to discover new worlds only found in one's imagination through reading books. Beautifully illustrated, this book helps children to see the value of reading and visiting the library.

Samantha dreads school and begins having anxiety attacks. She finds the courage to confront her problems--and is diagnosed with a learning disability. Slowly, she discovers that she is stronger than she'd ever thought possible.

Abandoned by his father, neglected by his mother, shuttled between foster homes and a boys ranch for most of his formative years, a young man refuses to succumb to the fate that the world says should be his. Early on, Alton decides he wants a "nor­mal life"--even if that means standing up to abusive relatives and being teased by his siblings and their friends. Along the way, he keeps an eye out for those who might help lighten the load, never losing hope that such people exist.

The Boy Who Dreamed Big is about a foster child inspired by his elementary school teacher to use his imagination and overcome his obstacles. If he worked hard and believed in himself, his dreams would come true, and he could be whatever he wanted.